People are disconnected from the local environment, especially our waterways. Our waterways are persistently damaged through littering and behaviour at home such as flushing wet wipes and cotton buds down the toilet, clogging our sewers and causing untreated sewage to flow into the rivers. We believe that education is key but this needs to be delivered in unique and engaging ways. We intend to take young people on a boat trip on the Thames, teach them about the Thames and find out their views of it: what they value, what they wish was different, how this relates to rivers and specifically the Thames and ultimately the ocean. We believe this will broaden their horizons, help them see how they connect to the wider landscape of London and how everything they do impacts the environment.

What we'll deliver:

We want to host a 3 hour boat trip from Woolwich to Rainham marshes and back for 65 passengers

Why it's a great idea:

From our past experience, it was made clear that this type of engagement was very effective. It was an eye opening experience to see the land from the water. The residents wanted to see more trips in the future and understood their place in the landscape a little better and how they could get involved with on-going projects on the Thames and litter.

Steps to get it done:

3 hour boat trip from Woolwich to Rainham marshes

A video of our previous trips is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSZJprnggAg
It will be beneficial for members of the public to learn more about the River Thames and the life and processes that exist there. It is important for them to know how their daily activities directly affect the health of the Thames and this trip will provide them with insight on the consequences of littering etc. allowing communities to become an active solution rather than part of the problem.
People who will engage most likely do not even know there are marshes within a few miles of them, let alone their environmental value, therefore we will have reached an audience which is not traditionally engaged with.

About the Project Creator

As the only non-campaigning organisation looking after one of the world’s premier rivers, we provide a framework for sustainable management of the Thames. With a strong network of over 5000 stakeholders, we are an effective membership organisation delivering best practice, knowledge sharing and key connections to achieve a thriving living and working river for London.

Our partners are significant Thames stakeholders and include the Corporation of London, University College London, the Environment Agency, The PLA, Natural England, Thames Water and Essex County Council.